TAXON: ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Taxon: Pachypodium ambongense Poiss. :

Common Name(s): elephant's trunk Synonym(s):

Assessor: Chuck Chimera Status: Assessor Approved End Date: 4 Jan 2017

WRA Score: 0.0 Designation: L Rating: Low Risk

Keywords: Succulent, Tree, Spiny, Calcareous , -Dispersed

Qsn # Question Answer Option Answer 101 Is the highly domesticated? y=-3, n=0 n 102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? 103 Does the species have weedy races? Species suited to tropical or subtropical (s) - If 201 island is primarily wet , then substitute "wet (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) (See Appendix 2) High tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" 202 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) (See Appendix 2) High 203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) y=1, n=0 n Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or 204 y=1, n=0 y subtropical Does the species have a history of repeated introductions 205 y=-2, ?=-1, n=0 n outside its natural range? 301 Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix 2), n= question 205 n 302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 304 Environmental weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 305 Congeneric weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 401 Produces spines, thorns or burrs y=1, n=0 y 402 Allelopathic 403 Parasitic y=1, n=0 n 404 Unpalatable to grazing animals 405 Toxic to animals 406 Host for recognized pests and pathogens 407 Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans 408 Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems y=1, n=0 n 409 Is a shade tolerant at some stage of its life cycle Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone 410 y=1, n=0 n conditions if not a volcanic island)

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 1 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer Option Answer 411 Climbing or smothering growth habit y=1, n=0 n 412 Forms dense thickets y=1, n=0 n 501 Aquatic y=5, n=0 n 502 Grass y=1, n=0 n 503 Nitrogen fixing woody plant y=1, n=0 n Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs 504 y=1, n=0 n -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native 601 y=1, n=0 n habitat 602 Produces viable y=1, n=-1 y 603 Hybridizes naturally 604 Self-compatible or apomictic 605 Requires specialist pollinators y=-1, n=0 y 606 Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation y=1, n=-1 n 607 Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1 3 Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally ( 701 y=1, n=-1 n growing in heavily trafficked areas) 702 Propagules dispersed intentionally by people y=1, n=-1 y 703 Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant y=1, n=-1 n 704 Propagules adapted to wind dispersal y=1, n=-1 y 705 Propagules water dispersed y=1, n=-1 n 706 Propagules bird dispersed 707 Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) 708 Propagules survive passage through the gut y=1, n=-1 n 801 Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 802 yr) 803 Well controlled by herbicides 804 Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire y=1, n=-1 y Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced 805 biocontrol agents)

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 2 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss. Supporting Data:

Qsn # Question Answer 101 Is the species highly domesticated? n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): , & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, "Endemic to . Rare." [No evidence of domestication] FL

102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? Source(s) Notes WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication NA

103 Does the species have weedy races? Source(s) Notes WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication NA

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) - If 201 island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute "wet High tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" Source(s) Notes USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. "Native: 2017. National Plant Germplasm System [Online Database]. http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/index.html. Western : Madagascar" [Accessed 4 Jan 2017]

202 Quality of climate match data High Source(s) Notes USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. 2017. National Plant Germplasm System [Online Database]. http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/index.html. [Accessed 4 Jan 2017]

203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "DISTRIBUTION. Endemic to Madagascar. Rare. ECOLOGY. LOW open Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, deciduous western forest on Mesozoic calcareous rocks. Alt. less FL than 100 m." "Hardiness: It is sensitive to cold and should be kept totally dry in LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium winter at or around 10°C, but it demonstrates some cold resilience if ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan dormant and the soil is bone dry in winter. Protect from frost. It 2017] tends to lose its leave and go dormant in winter (USDA Hardiness zones: 10 ʹϭϭͿ͘Η

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 3 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or 204 y subtropical climates Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "DISTRIBUTION. Endemic to Madagascar. Rare. ECOLOGY. LOW open Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, deciduous western forest on Mesozoic calcareous rocks. Alt. less FL than 100 m."

Does the species have a history of repeated 205 n introductions outside its natural range? Source(s) Notes "P. ambongense (very rare, early growth seedlings growing outdoors Rau, E. 2016. President, Sustainable Bioresources, LLC. in containers with artificial soil. Needs calcareous , ready for Personal Communication. 29 December sale)" Eggli, U. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants: Dicotyledons. Springer-Verlag, Berlin - Heidelberg - New "The last species to be introduced to cultivation." York

301 Naturalized beyond native range n Source(s) Notes Randall, R.P. 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. 2nd Edition. Department of and Food, Western No evidence Australia Wagner, W.L., Herbst, D.R.& Lorence, D.H. 2017. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands. Smithsonian Institution, No evidence to date Washington, D.C. http://botany.si.edu/. [Accessed 4 Jan 2017]

302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n Source(s) Notes Randall, R.P. 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. 2nd Edition. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western No evidence Australia

303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n Source(s) Notes Randall, R.P. 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. 2nd Edition. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western No evidence Australia

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 4 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer 304 Environmental weed n Source(s) Notes Randall, R.P. 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. 2nd Edition. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western No evidence Australia

305 Congeneric weed n Source(s) Notes Randall, R.P. 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. 2nd No species listed as weed. One species, P. saundersii, with an Edition. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western unconfirmed report of naturalization Australia

401 Produces spines, thorns or burrs y Source(s) Notes "Shrub 1-2 m high, trunk subglobose, laterally compressed, 10-40 cm in diameter; bark grey-green, smooth or with scars; branched Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): from just below each terminal . Branches short, 7-18 Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, cm in diameter; branchlets 18-40 x 5-6 mm, covered with paired FL straight spines, 2-10 mm long, 0.5-2 mm wide at the base, sparsely pubescent when young."

402 Allelopathic Source(s) Notes [Unknown. Grows with other vegetation] "Accompanied by Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Pachypodium rutenbergianum, Euphorbia viguieri, Uncarina Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, sakalava, U. perrieri, Lomatophyllum sp., Commiphora sp., and FL Cyphostemma sp."

403 Parasitic n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "Shrub 1-2 m high, trunk subglobose, laterally compressed, 10-40 cm Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, in diameter" [Apocynaceae. No evidence] FL

404 Unpalatable to grazing animals Source(s) Notes WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication Unknown, but spines would likely deter browsing

405 Toxic to animals

Source(s) Notes

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 5 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer [Unknown. Possibly Yes] "Pachypodium falls in a group of the Apocynaceae notorious for poisonous properties and for yielding Bester, S. P. 2007. Pachypodium Lindl. PlantZAfrica. SANBI. potent poisons that have been used most effectively in arrow poison https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/pachypodium.ht since ancient times. The active principles in these poisons are usually m. [Accessed 4 Jan 2017] glucosides with a digitalis-like action that stimulates the heart, and their effect is well known to hunters who often control and administer them with great skill."

406 Host for recognized pests and pathogens Source(s) Notes WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication Unknown

407 Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans Source(s) Notes [Unknown. Possibly Yes] "Pachypodium falls in a group of the Apocynaceae notorious for poisonous properties and for yielding Bester, S. P. 2007. Pachypodium Lindl. PlantZAfrica. SANBI. potent poisons that have been used most effectively in arrow poison https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/pachypodium.ht since ancient times. The active principles in these poisons are usually m. [Accessed 4 Jan 2017] glucosides with a digitalis-like action that stimulates the heart, and their effect is well known to hunters who often control and administer them with great skill."

408 Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "The only succulent genera in the family Apocynaceae are , Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Pachypodium and ." [No evidence and unlikely given FL succulent habit]

409 Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle Source(s) Notes LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan "Exposure: It like full sun to light shade." 2017] Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, "On sunny or half-shaded places in deciduous dry forest." FL

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 6 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone 410 n conditions if not a volcanic island) Source(s) Notes "Pachypodium grows on various types of substrates (Tables 4 and 5). Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Some species occur on one single type of substrate, such as P. Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, ambongense, P. decaryi and P. windsorii growing exclusively on FL calcareous rocks." Rau, E. 2016. President, Sustainable Bioresources, LLC. "very rare, early growth seedlings growing outdoors in containers Personal Communication. 29 December with artificial soil. Needs calcareous soils"

411 Climbing or smothering growth habit n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "HABIT. Shrub with bottle-shaped stem and few branches at c. 1 m Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, height. It can reach a height of 2 m." FL

412 Forms dense thickets n Source(s) Notes [No evidence] "P. ambongense grows on Mesozoic calcareous rocks in the low open Decidous Western Forest zone. According to Rauh (1995), this species is associated here with firingalavensis Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Harms (), sp., Cissus sp. (Vitaceae), Euphorbia Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, viguieri, Lomatophyllum sp. (Liliaceae), Pachypodium FL rutenbergianum, Pandanus sp., Uncarina sp. (Pedaliaceae), and Xerosicyos perrieri (Cucurbitaceae). It occurs at altitudes of less than 100 m above sea level."

501 Aquatic n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): [Terrestrial] "ECOLOGY. On strongly eroded calcareous rocks, the Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, fissures of which are filled with . Alt. 70-100 m. On sunny or FL half-shaded places in deciduous dry forest."

502 Grass n Source(s) Notes USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Family: Apocynaceae 2017. National Plant Germplasm System [Online Subfamily: Database]. http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/index.html. : Malouetieae [Accessed 4 Jan 2017]

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 7 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer 503 Nitrogen fixing woody plant n Source(s) Notes USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Family: Apocynaceae 2017. National Plant Germplasm System [Online Subfamily: Apocynoideae Database]. http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/index.html. Tribe: Malouetieae [Accessed 4 Jan 2017]

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs 504 n -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "Shrub with bottle-shaped stem and few branches at c. 1 m height. It Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, can reach a height of 2 m." FL

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native 601 n habitat Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "Endemic to Madagascar. Rare." [Rare, but no evidence of Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, substantial reproductive failure] FL

602 Produces viable seed y Source(s) Notes "Propagation: or (rarely) cuttings. Fresh seeds results in a remarkable yield of new plants, perhaps 90% and seedlings grow fairly easily. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing in LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium a 5 mm deep, sterile, moist sandy medium (4 parts fine and 4 parts ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan coarse river sand 1 part sieved, well-rotten compost; 1 part perlite; 1 2017] part vermiculite. Keep the mix moist and at a temperature of Ϯϳʹ ϯϱ°C to ensure rapid germination. Seed start sprouting in just 3-4 days ( but continue to germinate erratically for about 6 month)" Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, "REPRODUCTION. By seeds." FL

603 Hybridizes naturally Source(s) Notes Eggli, U. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants: [Unknown] "Occasional wild hybrids have been reported, and garden Dicotyledons. Springer-Verlag, Berlin - Heidelberg - New hybrids have been created, but none so fare between Madagascan York and African species."

604 Self-compatible or apomictic

Source(s) Notes

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 8 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer Lipow, S. R., & Wyatt, R. (1999). Floral morphology and late-acting self-incompatibility inApocynum cannabinum [Unknown for P. ambongense] Η͙five species of Pachypodium (Apocynaceae). Plant Systematics and , 219(1-2): (Anderson 1983) are self compatible." 99-109

605 Requires specialist pollinators y Source(s) Notes "Pollination is as for Adenium͙Η͙"Adenium .. Pollination requires a long, slender proboscis to enter the lower chamber between one of Eggli, U. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants: the five slits in the androecial cone. Incoming pollen lands on the Dicotyledons. Springer-Verlag, Berlin - Heidelberg - New stigmatic area; as the proboscis is withdrawn it is gummed by York contact with the knob of the style and picks up fresh pollen from the anthers above. In cultivation a cat's whisker or horse's tail hair can be used to cross-pollinate two plants."

606 Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation n Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, "REPRODUCTION. By seeds." FL [Cuttings often fail to ] "Seeds or (rarely) cuttings." ... "they are LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium also propagated by removal of branches from old plant (if they need ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan to be pruned). They should be allowed to dry for 5 to 8 days before 2017] potting up, however the cuttings often fail to root."

607 Minimum generative time (years) 3 Source(s) Notes " ... Potted specimens are young plants that do Staples, G.W. & Herbst, D.R. 2005. A Tropical Garden Flora not until they have attained a height of several feet, which for - Plants Cultivated in the Hawaiian Islands and Other this slow growing species takes several years; flowering rarely occurs Tropical Places. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, HI indoors in any case." [Related taxon slow-growing and reaches maturity in 3+ years] LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium "Seedlings grow fairly slowly compared to other Pachypodium ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan species. Young plants have more conical spines and begin early to 2017] swell nicely, branch and even flower."

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants 701 n growing in heavily trafficked areas) Source(s) Notes "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and FL the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant." [No evidence]

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 9 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer 702 Propagules dispersed intentionally by people y Source(s) Notes "P. ambongense (very rare, early growth seedlings growing outdoors Rau, E. 2016. President, Sustainable Bioresources, LLC. in containers with artificial soil. Needs calcareous soils, ready for Personal Communication. 29 December sale)" "Pachypodium ambongense is one of the most attractive species in the entire that can be grown both indoors, as well as outdoors in warm climates. It͛s a moderate grower and an impressive caudex LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium can be steadily developed. In the winters it is deciduous, except in ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan very tropical areas. Pretty cold sensitive- supposedly prone to rot if 2017] wet in winter cold. It may be grown as a specimen among rocks and low-growing plants in a hot rockery. It may also be grown in a heavy container on the sunny patio."

703 Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant n Source(s) Notes "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and FL the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant." [Unlikely. No evidence]

704 Propagules adapted to wind dispersal y Source(s) Notes [Yes, but may be ineffective over long distances] "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) wind dispersal Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, may not be very effective because the awns of the seeds separate FL easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant."

705 Propagules water dispersed n Source(s) Notes [Unlikely. Tufted seeds may by buoyant, but occurs in dry forest] "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant. In addition, FL it is possible that insects, birds and also small rodents may disperse the seeds." ... "On strongly eroded calcareous rocks, the fissures of which are filled with humus. Alt. 70-100 m. On sunny or half-shaded places in deciduous dry forest."

706 Propagules bird dispersed

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 10 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer Source(s) Notes "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and FL the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant. In addition, it is possible that insects, birds and also small rodents may disperse the seeds." [Possibly No. Primarily adapted for wind dispersal]

707 Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) Source(s) Notes "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant. In addition, FL it is possible that insects, birds and also small rodents may disperse the seeds." [Possibly. Hairs may adhere to fur or feathers, or rodents may cache and disperse seeds]

708 Propagules survive passage through the gut n Source(s) Notes Gordon, D. R., Mitterdorfer, B., Pheloung, P. C., Ansari, S., Buddenhagen, C., Chimera, C., ... & Williams, P. A. 2010). "Answer 'no' where the taxon is unlikely to be eaten by animals or if Guidance for addressing the Australian Weed Risk seeds are not viable following passage through the gut." Assessment questions. Plant Protection Quarterly, 25(2): 56-74 "The seeds of Pachypodium spp. are provided with awns suggesting that dispersal is by wind. However, according to Keraudren (1963) wind dispersal may not be very effective because the awns of the Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): seeds separate easily or even as soon as the fruit follicles open, and Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, the seeds will fall on the ground near the mother plant. In addition, FL it is possible that insects, birds and also small rodents may disperse the seeds." [Probably No. Seed dispersal, if any, by animals likely to occur externally]

801 Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) Source(s) Notes Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V. (1999). Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): "REPRODUCTION. By seeds." [Unknown, but probably no. No Taxonomy, Ecology & Cultivation. CRC Press, Boca Raton, description of prolific seeding] FL

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 802 yr)

Source(s) Notes

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 11 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss.

Qsn # Question Answer [Unknown. Related taxon listed as having non-dormant seeds] Baskin, C.C. & Baskin, J.M. 2014. Seeds Ecology, "TABLE 9.30 Dormancy class or nondormancy (D/ND) in seeds of Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and succulent perennials in hot semideserts and deserts. *5type of Germination. Second Edition. Academic Press, San dormancy is inferred from available information on germination and Francisco, CA on characteristics of seeds in that family." ... " - ND*]

803 Well controlled by herbicides Source(s) Notes Unknown. No information on herbicide efficacy or chemical control WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication of this species

804 Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire y Source(s) Notes [Presumably Yes] "Maintenance: This Pachypodium will not require LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms. 2017. Pachypodium any pruning to look like a very interesting and unusual bonsai, but ambongense. http://www.llifle.com/. [Accessed 4 Jan after several years it can outgrow its indoor location, requiring a 2017] 'pruning'. It has amazing regenerative properties."

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced 805 biocontrol agents) Source(s) Notes WRA Specialist. 2017. Personal Communication Unknown

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 12 of 13 Poiss.) TAXON: Pachypodium ambongense SCORE: 0.0 RATING: Low Risk Poiss. Summary of Risk Traits:

High Risk / Undesirable Traits ‡Grows in tropical climates ‡Spiny ‡Possibly toxic ‡Seeds likely dispersed by wind and people ‡Able to regenerate after cutting

Low Risk / Desirable Traits ‡No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range ‡Landscaping and ornamental value ‡Requires calcareous soils ‡Specialized pollinator requirements (likely limits seed set outside native range) ‡Not reported to spread vegetatively

Creation Date: 4 Jan 2017 (Pachypodium ambongense Page 13 of 13 Poiss.)